Photo spot in Mahabalipuram
Krishna's Butterball
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
A colossal balancing boulder perched impossibly on a slope for centuries — a gravity-defying natural wonder and playful photo spot.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the low sun lights the boulder and the rock has cooled down; early morning for an empty slope.
Best angle
Stand on the lower side of the boulder and have a friend take a side-on photo of you "pushing" it, with the full slope in the frame.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
Open access
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Krishna's Butterball
Late afternoon, when the low sun lights the boulder and the rock has cooled down; early morning for an empty slope. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Krishna's Butterball
Stand on the lower side of the boulder and have a friend take a side-on photo of you "pushing" it, with the full slope in the frame. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
'Holding up' the boulder
Sitting on the slope below
Outfit guide
What to wear at Krishna's Butterball
For photos at Krishna's Butterball, yellow, white and rust work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Krishna's Butterball.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Mahabalipuram.
Eat nearby
Food near Krishna's Butterball
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for prawn masala nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Come in the late afternoon, when the light is warm and the rock is cooler.
Try the classic photo of "pushing" the boulder from the lower side.
Take care on the slope, as the rock is polished smooth and can be slippery.
Watch children, as many slide down the smooth rock beside the boulder.
Wear shoes with a good grip rather than smooth-soled sandals.
Visit the Ganesha Ratha and the cave temples on the same hill.
Carry water, as there is no shade on the open rock.
About Krishna's Butterball
Krishna's Butterball is a giant round boulder that sits on a steep, smooth slope of rock and looks as if it could roll down at any moment. It is about 6 m high and is said to weigh around 250 tonnes, yet it has stayed in place for centuries. Its name comes from the stories of the young Krishna, who loved to steal butter.
The boulder sits on the rocky hill behind Arjuna's Penance, among cave temples and carved shrines. It is one of the most playful photo spots in India, and almost everyone tries the classic shot of "pushing" or "holding up" the rock. In the late afternoon the hill is a good place to sit and watch the light fade over the town.
Questions
Krishna's Butterball — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Krishna's Butterball?
Late afternoon, when the low sun lights the boulder and the rock has cooled down; early morning for an empty slope. Stand on the lower side of the boulder and have a friend take a side-on photo of you "pushing" it, with the full slope in the frame.
Is there an entry fee at Krishna's Butterball?
Entry to Krishna's Butterball is free.
What are the opening hours of Krishna's Butterball?
Krishna's Butterball is open access.
What should I wear at Krishna's Butterball?
Yellow, white and rust photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Krishna's Butterball get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: late afternoon, when the low sun lights the boulder and the rock has cooled down; early morning for an empty slope.
What food should I try near Krishna's Butterball?
Try prawn masala, available at nearby restaurants.
What is Krishna's Butterball famous for?
It is famous for balancing on a steep rock slope without rolling down. The boulder is about 6 m tall and is one of the best-known photo spots in Tamil Nadu.
Why doesn't Krishna's Butterball roll down?
The boulder rests on a very small base, and friction and its centre of gravity keep it in place. It has sat on the slope for centuries.
How much time do I need at Krishna's Butterball?
About 30 minutes is enough for photos. Allow an hour or more if you also visit the cave temples and the Ganesha Ratha on the same hill.
Is the rock at Krishna's Butterball slippery?
Yes. The slope around the boulder is smooth granite, worn by visitors sliding down it. Wear shoes with a good grip and take care, especially after rain.